MÄRLA

MÄRLA is a Swedish instrumental jazz-fusion quartet founded by guitarist Johan Nilsson. The band’s name is a Swedish word meaning a metal staple.Inspired by electric jazz fusion of the 1970s, the group combines jazz-rock, funk grooves, and improvisation. Its music is built around groove and spontaneous interaction, with a relaxed attitude that leaves room for unexpected turns.

The quartet consists of electric guitarist Johan Nilsson, electric bassist Samuel Nilsson, drummer and percussionist Gustav Vikström Seltman, and keyboardist Ann Blom. Blom plays Fender Rhodes electric piano, synthesizers, and acoustic piano. The electric guitar’s edge, the warmth of the keyboards, and the tight bass-and-drum groove form the group’s core sound. Their recordings also use overdubs and feature guest musicians.

In 2025, MÄRLA released Don’t Say That, a seven-track album featuring “Relieved Duck,” “Long Gone by Now,” and “Super Snail.” Recorded at RMV Studios in Stockholm, it includes guest performances by Klas Toresson on flute and saxophone, Dima Faustov on brass, and Michael Barry on Hammond organ. Swedish music magazine Lira noted the band’s jazz-rock direction and the brass arrangements on the title track and “Long Gone by Now.”

The 2026 album Instant Regret contains ten tracks and continues the group’s exploration of fusion jazz. Calle Gustavsson recorded it at Atlantis Studios in Stockholm. Klas Toresson and trumpeter Jens Henriksson appear as guests on “Midnight Marketplace” and “Jezze All Smiles,” respectively. Lira highlighted the electric-guitar solo, Rhodes sound, and bass groove, as well as the Latin feel of “Midnight Marketplace.”MÄRLA official website、Band release notes、Lira：《Don’t Say That》、Lira：《Instant Regret》。